Mea culpa - the fault is mine. Throughout the history of humankind, we have defined our morality of the day with help from many sources, both extraneous and internal, experiencially and symbolically. Some use religious text. Some use the example and teachings of their parents. Some find heroes in history or in their lives to emulate. Some will determine what is wrong (and right) from what has been criminalized. And still others will find new means, isolated from traditional sources, in a vacuum of their own personal intellect and empathy. It has been postulated that the backbone of societal behavior is guilt, i.e. having a conscience and being influenced by it. And this guilt should keep us in line, keep us good, lest we suffer from our own self-disgrace in the eyes of our internal and external juries. But, does this work? As most everyone would agree, we are not perfect beings. Throughout the centuries, we have displayed every conceivable erroneous trait imaginable, committed every heinous act possible, and added dark chapters, one after the other, to the human story. And as some of us still believe, the good in us will continue to strive to break through.

Because of our perceived inherent imperfection, we may live a good portion of our lives feeling guilty about something we've done, something we didn't do, something we've thought of doing, or something we never considered. There may be a faction of people who believe that this is OK, that it is perfectly normal to go through life with this dreadful sinkhole in our soul, perhaps to keep us "good". But I think many people feel that forgiveness is possible, and that it represents the best part of our humanity. Throughout my time on dA, I have read many poems that have asked for, or offered forgiveness. And they typically are the most real, relatable, and poignant poems. This type of art can heal two parties: the one being offered an apology or forgiveness, and the one who is offering it. The latter is important as it relates to the goal of vicious-verse - catharsis and/or re-forming our dark side into our entire being through artistic expression.

To coincide with the 1 year anniversary of the literature group (which also happens to fall on my birthday ) I am hosting my very first contest. The rules are very simple:

Write a new (or enter a previously written) poem or piece of creative prose (i.e. non-expository) literature that either offers or contains a theme of offering an apology to or a request for forgiveness from someone, something, or oneself. There is a new contest folder in the vicious-verse gallery called Mea culpa.

Any deviant may submit a piece to the folder, which will enter them into the contest.

There is no limit to the number of entries.

You may submit a new piece, or a previously published piece to the contest.

The only requirement is that you state in the artist's comments that the piece is intended for the contest. You can link to this journal or just reference the contest and group.

Submissions begin today, December 30th, and will end on April 1st, 2013.

Entries will be judged on emotional persuasion, artistic mastery, and the usual: syntax, spelling and semantics.

Judges are needed. I would prefer that judges be members of the group, so I can make you a contributor (if you aren't already). Also, judges would be exempt from entering the contest. Anyone who would like to donate your time for this, please note me. Judging will commence on April 2nd, 2013 and I would expect to have results tallied by April 21st at the latest. I will discuss the voting criteria with the judges.

Donations of points, features, etc. are appreciated. I have the donation widget up on my page: thetaoofchaos.

This is *MeganLawler94 from #AnotherContestGroup, and I'd like to inform you that we've found and added your contest to our listings! These listings can be found in our journals, listed by deadline; please allow up to two days to see your contest listed in the journals.

Also, if you're low on prizes to offer, see if you qualify for our Winner's Package. It supplies a journal feature, exclusive admittance into our gallery, and a llama from the staff of ACG if you meet the requirements and send in your contest results at the end of your contest. Please see our FAQ for all the details.

Note us if the deadline changes, or if you would like another contest featured.

Perhaps join the group to get updates on the happenings at ACG. We feature hundreds of contests that offer many different prizes, so there is something for everyone's skills.

"Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa..." as said in the "old-time" Catholic confessionals, back when Latin was used all the time. Right when I became an ex-Catholic. Too many confessions! Too many crimes by that church itself.